My Comparo 2010 Touring Sport vs 2013 Mustang GT

Hbomb · 10-15-2012, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UNKNOWN_370

Muscle car power is addicting no doubt. Handling has improved tremendously, and I say this admirably. Even the camaro that gets less respect is pretty strong taking corners... It's excessive width is the biggest weakness that reserves confidence in the corners. Hard to see out front.
The mustang proved the superior handler. I myself didn't drive the track pack back in 2011. Just the GT. I found the 5.0 suspension too soft, steering feel was on the gummy side but the power was just so good, I have no real words. Just, at the price point, the stang pulls like some kind of high powered exotic. The Z can't compete in the straight line feel of a mustang.
What I didn't like though were things that others may find negligable.

1. The ugliest,most outdated gauge cluster I've ever seen on recent vehicles.
2. In the sports car world, the worst seating position. Felt like a sedan.
3. Steering to Road connection. Extremely flat, when you combine it with horribly high ride height,can't get it right seating position and softish suspension... It's a dealbreaker.

Now i know the track package must solve many of my road connection issues. But with other factors that i know that cant be changed b a suspension pkg. I cant do it.

Would love to drive the BOSS 302. OP, who tested the BOSS and found the steering horrid... Which key did you use? The red or the gold? One sets the car to DD mode, The other for track mode.

That said. I used to hate mustangs after the foxbody because i always felt ford gave the people a great engine, great power to weight ratio and bad everything else. This is NOT the case anymore. Mustang is back with a vengence and taking no prisoners. I just hope the next gen stang addresses what i don't like about it. At least make a model thats dropped 2.5 inches lower than the current one, with a much lower seating position.

My Z may be totally inferior in power and the stang may be equal in the corners. But it doesn't feel equal in the steering wheel. That said,i'll take the loss with the Z for now... I bought a Z cuz I like feeling connected to the road and going fast. I love that low slung seating position. I love being close to the ground. It was the best compromise... Not slow like Mazda miata etc... but feeling very connected to the road and able to swing through corners with ease.

That said. Under 40k. Nothing will f*&k with a stang on the track.

This. Coming from an S2000 and a NSX, seating position and "feel" mean allot to me. The mustang is bad ***, and ill be honest, If my car exploded tomorrow, my next car would be either a 2013 Z or a 2013 GT mustang, whichever I could get the better deal on. But Like my s2000, the Z isnt the fastest thing on the planet, but the "feel" of being in a low slung sports car, as opposed to the Sedan ish feel of the Mustang, is what sellls it to me atm. But like I said, if I had to pick between the two tomorrow, it would be a toss up (would most likely be the Z, as I have had 2 already, and I have not owned an american car since high school, but I digress).

P.s. its hilarious, when I was in high school Probe GT's and Monte Carlo SS s were quick, now we look at a 370Z (0-60 in the 4 sec range, over a G on the skid pad, braking that runs with a porche 911 / Nissan GTR) as not being enough of a sports car. Crazy. I love my Z, while not the fastest, is def. fast enough to put me in Jail for a long long time.

m4a1mustang · 10-15-2012, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hbomb

This. Coming from an S2000 and a NSX, seating position and "feel" mean allot to me. The mustang is bad ***, and ill be honest, If my car exploded tomorrow, my next car would be either a 2013 Z or a 2013 GT mustang, whichever I could get the better deal on. But Like my s2000, the Z isnt the fastest thing on the planet, but the "feel" of being in a low slung sports car, as opposed to the Sedan ish feel of the Mustang, is what sellls it to me atm. But like I said, if I had to pick between the two tomorrow, it would be a toss up (would most likely be the Z, as I have had 2 already, and I have not owned an american car since high school, but I digress).

P.s. its hilarious, when I was in high school Probe GT's and Monte Carlo SS s were quick, now we look at a 370Z (0-60 in the 4 sec range, over a G on the skid pad, braking that runs with a porche 911 / Nissan GTR) as not being enough of a sports car. Crazy. I love my Z, while not the fastest, is def. fast enough to put me in Jail for a long long time.

I'm lucky to have both in the stable.

Oddly enough the S2K doesn't feel as low as you'd think. Relative to the 5.0 the dash is really low so visually it seems like you're sitting higher in the car than you really are.

Hbomb · 10-16-2012, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

I'm lucky to have both in the stable.

Oddly enough the S2K doesn't feel as low as you'd think. Relative to the 5.0 the dash is really low so visually it seems like you're sitting higher in the car than you really are.

to be fair out of the 5 years I had my s2k, 3 were spent on coil overs dropped a little over an inch and a half

p.s. how is the focus?

m4a1mustang · 10-16-2012, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hbomb

to be fair out of the 5 years I had my s2k, 3 were spent on coil overs dropped a little over an inch and a half

p.s. how is the focus?

It's awesome. Love it! Anxiously waiting for more mods to hit the market.

kidkotic2001 · 10-16-2012, 01:08 PM

Even though I am not into the mustangs or camaros this was a nice Right up.

Hbomb · 10-16-2012, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

It's awesome. Love it! Anxiously waiting for more mods to hit the market.

Ever Drive a MS3? I was on the fence for one before we purchased our GTI, I loved the power but hated everything else. How does it compare if you have?

m4a1mustang · 10-16-2012, 01:37 PM

I have not driven an MS3. Road & Track has a nice comparo of the ST, MS3, and GTI in their November magazine. Pretty good read.

shadoquad · 10-16-2012, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hbomb

Ever Drive a MS3? I was on the fence for one before we purchased our GTI, I loved the power but hated everything else. How does it compare if you have?

I've driven all three.

I love the inside of the GTI. It is well-appointed. The car is a lot of fun to drive, while being the slowest of the bunch.

The MS3 is the most powerful, by a little. It is ugly inside and out (in my opinion). It's torquey, it handles pretty well. Overall, not a bad car. But it is gas thirsty.

The Focus ST blends a bit of both and exceeds them (in my opinion). Its handling is amazing. It gets the mileage of the GTI and the performance of the MS3. Its interior is prettier than the Mazda, maybe not as nice as the VW. But it's too tight for a large guy like me. It was uncomfortable to sit in. Smaller folks don't have that limitation.

m4a1mustang · 10-16-2012, 01:52 PM

Yeah the handling is just awesome. Really surprised by how much grip it as and how balanced it feels for a FWD car.

Interior is probably my favorite part. It's a real nice package with nav and the Recaros.

UNKNOWN_370 · 10-16-2012, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

The Mustang isn't supposed to be low to the ground because it's not a sports car. It's a GT style car with sports car like performance. I don't want them to turn it into a low slung sports car because that's not what it should be IMO. If you want a sports car... get a Z, Corvette, etc. If you want a Mustang... well, get one.

With all the ford aftermarket and shelby support. Whats so bad about them making a car model that would rival say a BOSS 302 that's lower slung and lower seating position? I'm sure it could be done?
The new renderings of the 2015 stang looks like it may be getting a lower stance and slightly smaller proportions as well as some weight reduction. We'll see if some of my thoughts don't translate in the redesign... I bet they will.

Also, the big azz camaro did an excellent job with seating position. Your legs aren't as flat as a Z but nowhere near as upright as a stang. Ford could take a lesson from the camaro in muscle car seat positioning. Camaro can take a lesson in weight reduction from stang.

SS_Firehawk · 01-12-2013, 02:49 AM

I didn't want to start another thread so I'm resurrecting this one haha.

Some might know my dad has a 11' Mustang GT track pack. Has a CAI, shaker hood scoop feeding the CAI, GT500 Mufflers, and a tune. This was during the winter and was about 20 degrees outside with a lot of dry salt on the road. With factory 9.5 in rears, I could gun it in third gear and it was breaking traction. Definitely had more power than my Z. To be fair, I've never driven my Z in 20 degree weather at only a couple hundred feet above sea level. I've only seen my Z break traction in 3rd on cement with a crest (it was kinda violent when it did haha). The Coyote motor screams pretty good. The interior while nice, I prefer the driver centric interior of the Z. I'm not taking anything away from the GT because it's tastefully done and was impressed. He had a Hurst shifter with a cue ball grip, definitely notchy, but easy to find gears. It was easy to rev match (I'm a rookie) and the clutch was very easy to modulate. I did notice transition and body roll were much more prominent with the GT. Suspension is definitely softer. He did have lowering springs on as well that dropped it about an inch. The brakes felt fine. I was impressed to find the rear's are vented disk as well. I felt no ill issues with the live axle rear end. I will say the car just felt so much larger than the Z, I felt like I was sitting on the car and not inside. Visibility was a non issue. The steering was vague compared to the Z's. Definitely felt American in that aspect. Steering wheel was ergonomic. Overall I feel the Mustang GT was impressive. I still prefer the Z, as it gives me everything I need and nothing I don't. These cars cater to two different markets and buyers. And I admit, I giggled like a school girl when I stabbed the throttle and it was breaking loose at 80mph. I think I still made the right decision to just boost my car as I'm still madly in love with it haha.

DLSTR · 01-12-2013, 07:00 AM

Nice write up. If they would just put a real suspension on the Mustang Id take a better look at it. The live rear axle is stone age. Its plain cheap. Ford only makes 1 sorta sports car being the Mustang. Its a good car and a few small changes would make it better.
For my tastes, the lack of sophistication keeps it 1 step behind the Z and others, and the sheer size as well. I spent 2 weeks in a 11 GT rental in the Smokies last year so I have driven it for more than a short test drive.
Im very happy you found a car that works for you and provides the sporting feel you need and accomodates your taste and desire in comfort. That is not always easy to find! Congrats and enjoy when you get to the track!!

Ive noticed some of them here in Germany owned by Germans. They can be bought here of course at your local Ford dealer. Those who have them are quite passionate about them!!

KERMIT · 01-12-2013, 10:42 AM

The real step up from the z will be the C7 vette. (If you couldn't tell, that's my next car)

danegrey · 01-12-2013, 10:58 AM

just read the write up and I agree with you, nice job and nice switch
my Z may be the last Z, for the same reasons you have given. It's low to the ground, and take a bit of effort to get in an out. Currently in good shape, so that it is not a problem, thou my GF has a bit of a problem

being in our 60's does make a difference.. I like a manual and will continual until I cannot any more.

R0bDC · 01-12-2013, 01:37 PM

My 370Z > Your GT

10-16-2012, 01:08 PM	#95 (permalink)
kidkotic2001 Track Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: El Paso, TX Posts: 541 Drives: Like Crazy Rep Power: 15	Even though I am not into the mustangs or camaros this was a nice Right up. __________________ ThAt WaS a CrAzY nIgHt

10-16-2012, 01:37 PM	#97 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6962	I have not driven an MS3. Road & Track has a nice comparo of the ST, MS3, and GTI in their November magazine. Pretty good read. __________________ - Steve Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook!

10-16-2012, 01:52 PM	#99 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6962	Yeah the handling is just awesome. Really surprised by how much grip it as and how balanced it feels for a FWD car. Interior is probably my favorite part. It's a real nice package with nav and the Recaros. __________________ - Steve Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook!

01-12-2013, 02:49 AM	#101 (permalink)
SS_Firehawk Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Tampa Posts: 4,142 Drives: 13' Magma Red Nismo Rep Power: 7335	I didn't want to start another thread so I'm resurrecting this one haha. Some might know my dad has a 11' Mustang GT track pack. Has a CAI, shaker hood scoop feeding the CAI, GT500 Mufflers, and a tune. This was during the winter and was about 20 degrees outside with a lot of dry salt on the road. With factory 9.5 in rears, I could gun it in third gear and it was breaking traction. Definitely had more power than my Z. To be fair, I've never driven my Z in 20 degree weather at only a couple hundred feet above sea level. I've only seen my Z break traction in 3rd on cement with a crest (it was kinda violent when it did haha). The Coyote motor screams pretty good. The interior while nice, I prefer the driver centric interior of the Z. I'm not taking anything away from the GT because it's tastefully done and was impressed. He had a Hurst shifter with a cue ball grip, definitely notchy, but easy to find gears. It was easy to rev match (I'm a rookie) and the clutch was very easy to modulate. I did notice transition and body roll were much more prominent with the GT. Suspension is definitely softer. He did have lowering springs on as well that dropped it about an inch. The brakes felt fine. I was impressed to find the rear's are vented disk as well. I felt no ill issues with the live axle rear end. I will say the car just felt so much larger than the Z, I felt like I was sitting on the car and not inside. Visibility was a non issue. The steering was vague compared to the Z's. Definitely felt American in that aspect. Steering wheel was ergonomic. Overall I feel the Mustang GT was impressive. I still prefer the Z, as it gives me everything I need and nothing I don't. These cars cater to two different markets and buyers. And I admit, I giggled like a school girl when I stabbed the throttle and it was breaking loose at 80mph. I think I still made the right decision to just boost my car as I'm still madly in love with it haha. UNKNOWN_370 likes this. __________________ Old Car:GTM TSC'd 550whp / 410lbft tq @ 11.88PSI New Car: Under Construction

01-12-2013, 10:58 AM	#104 (permalink)
danegrey A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Knoxville Age: 71 Posts: 3,190 Drives: 12 370Z BK Cherry M6 Rep Power: 649540	just read the write up and I agree with you, nice job and nice switch my Z may be the last Z, for the same reasons you have given. It's low to the ground, and take a bit of effort to get in an out. Currently in good shape, so that it is not a problem, thou my GF has a bit of a problem being in our 60's does make a difference.. I like a manual and will continual until I cannot any more. __________________ Lots of Changes the Z needs to be driven and driven hard for the car lives for it

01-12-2013, 07:00 AM	#102 (permalink)
DLSTR A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2011 Location: Süd Germany Posts: 2,462 Drives: 21Supra 2.0/22 M240i Rep Power: 21267	Nice write up. If they would just put a real suspension on the Mustang Id take a better look at it. The live rear axle is stone age. Its plain cheap. Ford only makes 1 sorta sports car being the Mustang. Its a good car and a few small changes would make it better. For my tastes, the lack of sophistication keeps it 1 step behind the Z and others, and the sheer size as well. I spent 2 weeks in a 11 GT rental in the Smokies last year so I have driven it for more than a short test drive. Im very happy you found a car that works for you and provides the sporting feel you need and accomodates your taste and desire in comfort. That is not always easy to find! Congrats and enjoy when you get to the track!! Ive noticed some of them here in Germany owned by Germans. They can be bought here of course at your local Ford dealer. Those who have them are quite passionate about them!!

01-12-2013, 10:42 AM	#103 (permalink)
KERMIT Enthusiast Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Republic of Wadiya Posts: 301 Drives: Ms. Daisy Rep Power: 13	The real step up from the z will be the C7 vette. (If you couldn't tell, that's my next car)

01-12-2013, 01:37 PM	#105 (permalink)
R0bDC Enthusiast Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: California Posts: 307 Drives: 2009 370Z Rep Power: 12	My 370Z > Your GT

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